It’s deafeningly quiet here, and when you walk or drive into town all of the parking spots and lots are empty. Almost every store has a sign posted on the door.
A few places are still open – Island Market, The Co-op (call in and pick up orders), Ray’s Pharmacy, The Post Office, Con’s Pit Stop, Eastsound Liquor and Wine (that “essential” one cracks me up but sort of makes me uneasy), and take-out from The Lower Tavern, Clever Cow Creamery, The Island Skillet, Chimayo’s, and perhaps one or two other places I didn’t notice.
Very poignant …. very touching.
Weird, isn’t it?
Wonderful series! Can we chat about collaborating on this documentation? I have the letters, you are out and about to get the images – and the Historical Museum has joined with me to create a permanent record.
Sure – I’d prefer to go out again at a different time of day and get better quality photos and ones that lack reflections.
My mom says the empty streets remind her of life here when she was growing up (in the winter months). That would have been in the 1950s and 60s. Quiet island life!
Yes! A bunch of locals have said that when I’ve passed them on the street – talking at a distance 🙂
I see these comments and look at the photos and my heart aches. And yet it magnifies the beauty of what first drew me to Orcas and the islands….spaciousness and calm and peace. Such a strange place to sit with now. Know that folks near and far notice and care and appreciate the gift of Orcas and the SJI.